MORNING JOURNAL/JIM BOBELEuclid's Melvin King runs away from Lorain's Alex Wilson as he scores Euclid's first touchdown last night.

LORAIN -- Euclid's explosive offense led by running back Juwan Ford turned Lorain's Senior Night into a nightmare with a 48-point first half to help roll the Titans 62-40 on Friday night in Lake Erie League action at George Daniel Field.

Ford rushed for 278 of his team's 420 yards on 20 carries as the Panthers (5-3, 4-1) overpowered the Titans' defense up front to pave the way to a big road win.

"The big guys came off the ball very well," Euclid coach Tom Gibbons said. "As you can see, we've got some nice big backs. We just took control of the line of scrimmage and that was the key. When we do that, we're awfully tough to beat."

The Panthers' defense feasted on Lorain (2-6, 2-3) sophomore quarterback Eddie Williamson, forcing him into five turnovers, four in the first half. Three of those turnovers turned into Euclid touchdowns.

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"In that first series, they had us on our heels," Gibbons said. "But we were able to get the turnover machine going and as turnovers go, they're contagious. One came after another."

Trailing 7-6, Euclid's Ryshon Johnson found Rakeesh Nolden open for a 48-yard touchdown pass to give the visiting Panthers (5-3, 4-1) a 13-7 lead. The combo hooked up again later that quarter to put Euclid up 20-7 on a 30-yard connection.

The Panthers forced an Eddie Willamson fumble and turned that into a 14-yard touchdown run by Johnson for a 27-7 lead. Another Williamson fumble set up Melvin King on a touchdown run of eight yards for a 34-7 lead.

Euclid's Harrison Roberts intercepted Williamson and three plays into the second after the Titans committed a roughing the passer penalty, Ford took it in from 10 yards out for his first score and a 41-7 Panthers lead.